playground pournara

phase 1 - discover

Along with my fellow artists Mateus, Sasha, and Daly, we have been deeply immersed in exploring the site under the guidance of the TMS team. Our initial visits included a thorough site analysis, during which we used the TMS Media desk’s 360-degree camera to document the existing facilities. Conversations with social workers from the Asylum Service and Social Welfare gave us valuable insights into the primary needs and daily experiences.

On Friday, May 31st, we conducted our first workshop at the Pournara First Reception Centre with unaccompanied minors aged 14-17. The session allowed for a meaningful exchange between the team and the boys, where we shared ideas and gathered their invaluable feedback. From this, it became evident that spaces for exercising, playing, cooling off, and engaging in creative activities like painting or drawing are essential for their well-being.

With the support of social workers and translators, we overcame language barriers, translating from English to Somali and Arabic. The boys shared their experiences and envisioned potential improvements for the centre, using scale models created at Thinker Maker Space. We ended the day by creating wall drawings, which helped foster connection and creative expression.

phase 2 - define

First Option (bouldering wall):

We considered that the municipality would donate various materials for the first Option. This led us to create a pixelated design on the floor and attempt to extend this concept to the climbing wall. We used Grasshopper to optimize the quantity of each colour available to design the floor. Additionally, we planned to build a wall with clay bricks that would be donated.

However, since the donation didn’t materialize, we had to rethink our alternatives.

Second Option (parametric tunnel):

In the second Option, we found pine wood at an affordable price and decided to proceed with this material. We developed a parametric tunnel that runs through the entire space, with the playground taking place inside it.

Third Option (topo logs):

We faced significant challenges in hiring engineers and companies to do the foundation work during the summer. As a result, we opted for a more “do-it-yourself” approach, where the structure relies on gravity.

phase 3 - develop

Material:

Clusters:

Exercise Equipment:

Furniture:

Chalkboard:

phase 4 - deliver

As part of our ongoing efforts, we also renovated two containers that had been damaged by fire. This included painting the containers, adding furniture, and installing laser-cut panels coated with chalkboard paint. These containers now serve as spaces for relaxation and artistic expression, which aligns with the boys’ desire, as observed during the workshop, to have a place to draw and unwind.

We developed a modular and scalable bench installation as the project’s centrepiece, aligning with this approach. The design encourages the boys to engage with the structure at different levels, fostering interaction and exploration. This installation serves a functional purpose and creates an environment that invites creativity and playful engagement, aligning with our goal of providing dynamic and adaptable spaces for the children.

team

Resident Artists: Camila Calegari Marques, Mateus Sartori, Sasha Tihkov and Dali Chebil
Thinker Maker Space: Marios Constantinides, Stella Taousiani, Stratis Pantelides, Alex Charalambous, Maria Loizou, Kyriaki Yiakoupi, Styliana Manthopoulou, Giorgos Dimoglou